March 5 – The Serie A season will continue but behind closed doors after Italian authorities intensified their measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus with a nationwide ban of fans at sporting events until April 3.
Italy has been the worst-hit country in Europe with more than 3,000 cases and 107 deaths, leading to the closure of schools and universities until March 15.
This week, the semi-finals in the Italian Cup between Juventus and AC Milan and Napoli and Inter Milan were postponed. Yesterday local authorities decreed that fans will not be allowed to attend any football matches or sporting events in the country until April 3.
“There will be no sporting events with the presence of the public in order to prevent further contagion opportunities,” said a government statement.
“Sports events and competitions of all kinds and disciplines, held in every place, both public and private, are suspended; however it is permitted to carry out the aforementioned events and competitions behind closed doors, or outdoors without the presence of the public.
“In all such cases, the associations and sports clubs, by means of their medical staff, are required to carry out the appropriate checks to contain the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus among athletes, technicians, managers and all accompanying persons who participate.”
The decree, announced by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, will allow Italy’s top flight to resume after the postponements. In a statement, the Italian FA confirmed that all matches would be played behind closed doors.
The new measure will also affect some key European games as well. Juventus will play Lyon on March 17 in Turin in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. In the Europa League, Inter Milan and AS Roma take on Getafe and Sevilla respectively. Last Thursday, Inter Milan’s victory over Ludogorets in the same competition was played without any fans at San Siro Stadium.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1727400534labto1727400534ofdlr1727400534owedi1727400534sni@t1727400534catno1727400534c1727400534